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Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the NWT.

This bacterial infection has been on the rise in Canada for the last two decades. The NWT has had one of the highest rates of chlamydia in the country, with rates at about 6 times the national average.

Chlamydia commonly occurs with gonorrhea, and in the NWT tests for both infections are routinely done at the same time.

Chlamydia can be passed on through vaginal or anal sex, and less commonly, oral sex. Chlamydia can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth.

Those who engage in unprotected oral, anal or penile-vaginal sex can be at risk and should be tested.

The high rates of chlamydia in the NWT can be mainly attributed to people not consistently using safer sex methods and a delay or absence in screening.

If chlamydia is not treated it can lead to painful health problems and infertility.

In the NWT, chlamydia mostly affects sexually active youth and young adults, especially young women. Highest rates are observed in men aged 20-29 years of age and women aged 15 to 25 years of age.